Luxury automakers revive manual transmissions for high-performance models

High-performance automotive brands are increasingly reintroducing manual transmissions to satisfy enthusiast demand for driver engagement, despite the technical challenges posed by modern high-torque engines.

Aston Martin has addressed these challenges in its limited-edition Valour and Valiant models. To protect the 6-speed manual transaxle from the immense twisting forces of its 5.2L V12 twin-turbo engine, the company has electronically limited torque to 752Nm. This is a significant reduction from the 1,000Nm produced by the 8-speed automatic version of the Vanquish.

Other luxury manufacturers are following similar trends. Ferrari is introducing a ‘Manuale’ version of the 12Cilindri, which utilizes an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission controlled by electronic signals to simulate a manual experience. McLaren has also announced a 6-speed manual option for the new McL 6GT, and Nissan has added a 6-speed manual specification to the high-performance NISMO version of the Fairlady Z.